India’s AI ambitions took center stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where experts affirmed its critical role in realizing a developed India by 2047. Binay Kumar Singh, director at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Research Foundation, told reporters that AI will underpin the nation’s future on its 100th independence anniversary.
With Naxalism on the ropes—government eyeing full elimination by March 31 amid surrenders—Singh turned his ire on Youth Congress protesters who disrupted the event. Labeling it a stain on a developmental platform, he warned of damage to India’s world standing and pressed Rahul Gandhi for stern condemnation and internal reforms.
‘Development hinges on technology; AI can’t be overlooked,’ Singh declared, viewing the summit as evidence of India’s tech-forward momentum. Echoing this, Kumaun University’s Prof. Diwan Singh Rawat called it a massive international AI conclave, celebrating India’s globally acknowledged AI feats through proactive policies.
Rawat cited drug discovery’s speedup from 15-18 to 5-6 years via AI, foreseeing widespread impacts on creativity and innovation. He lauded digital highways, transactions, and startup support. Dismissing protests as regrettable, he pushed for fact-based discourse, referencing Sushma Swaraj’s principled opposition as democracy’s ideal.